STATE GOVERNMENT SHOULD COMMIT TO USING E10

The State Government could improve the health of Victorians by supporting a Nationals proposal to run all government fleet vehicles on ethanol blended fuel, according to Nationals spokesman for Energy, Peter Hall.

Mr Hall has challenged the Bracks Government to support the expansion of Victoria's alternative fuels industry by committing to use 10 percent ethanol fuel (E10) in the government's car fleet.

Mr Hall said he will move a notice of motion in Parliament tomorrow, calling on the Victorian Government to adopt The Nationals proposal in a genuine gesture of support for Victoria's developing biofuels industry.

"If the Bracks Government was serious about environmental issues and supporting regional development it would be taking the necessary steps to mandate the use of E10 in the government's fleet of vehicles," Mr Hall said.

"Blending ethanol with petrol can significantly reduce the fine-particle air pollution that derives from vehicle use and the health problems that are associated with inhaling toxic airborne particles.

"Environment Minister John Thwaites has already indicated that he is in favour of the Federal Government exploring the possibility of mandating a portion of ethanol in fuels.
We're challenging the Bracks Government to match its rhetoric with action and have Victoria's 8000 strong government vehicle fleet fill up with E10 fuel."

Mr Hall said with a number of companies across rural and regional Victoria planning local biofuel developments it was time the government committed to providing a fixed market for 10 percent ethanol fuel.

"I am aware of a number of people who see a definite future in locally made biofuels in Victoria," Mr Hall said.

"The recent confirmation that Australian Ethanol Limited will construct an ethanol plant at Woorinen, near Swan Hill, is just another encouraging sign that ethanol production promises to be a valuable industry in rural and regional Victoria.

"The Nationals are providing the Victorian Government with an opportunity to show some genuine leadership and give an undertaking that it will use E10 in its own vehicle fleet wherever possible.

"I hope that the government will have made a proactive decision to support this plan when the time comes to debate my notice of motion in Parliament this week."

Mr Hall said numerous economic, environmental and social benefits would stem from the proposal.

"The use of E10 will save the government money. At current oil prices a 10 percent ethanol petrol blend is cheaper than standard fuel," Mr Hall said.

"Biofuels provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil fuels that can potentially reduce our dependence on imported oil.

"And the development of an ethanol fuel industry in country Victoria would certainly provide a major boost to regional economies and stimulate investment and employment."